2-404 - Internship Program

The purpose of this policy is to outline procedures for participation in the Minneapolis Police Department Internship Program.

The Internship Program will allow selected students from recognized colleges and universities who are interested in the field of Law Enforcement and/or Criminal Justice to experience and observe the day-to-day operations and functions of the Minneapolis Police Department.

1. Eligibility

1. Internship candidates must currently be enrolled in a recognized college or university.
2. Internships with the Minneapolis Police Department will not exceed one year.

2. Application/Interview Process

1. MPD Human Resources manages the MPD Internship Program. MPD Human Resources will instruct internship candidates to submit a cover letter and resume which outlines their college program and interest in participating in the Internship Program.
2. MPD Human Resources will contact the appropriate MPD unit/division commander if a candidate indicates a desire for internship with a specified unit/division.
3. Interested commanders will contact candidates directly for further information and/or for interview purposes.
4. Commanders interested in utilizing the Internship Program should contact MPD Human Resources to review prospective candidates.

3. Background Investigation Requirements

1. Internship candidates are required to successfully pass a background investigation completed by the MPD Background Investigations Unit prior to the start of the internship.

1. The Background Investigations Unit shall obtain a copy of the cover letter and resume from the unit/division commander who requested the intern. The cover letter and resume will remain in the candidate’s background file.
2. Background investigations may take up to two months.
3. Upon the successful completion of the background investigation, MPD identification cards will be issued to the intern. The intern shall turn in his/her MPD identification card to his/her respective commander on the last day of internship.

4. The commander of the hiring unit/division will notify MPD Human Resources about the selected intern.

1. After hiring requirements are met the commander shall be responsible for the scheduling, supervision, and evaluation of the intern.
2. The intern may be released at any time at the discretion of the hiring commander.
3. The intern shall have a narrative evaluation completed by his/her designated supervisor prior to the conclusion of the internship. The evaluation must include a description of the projects completed by the intern.
4. A copy of the evaluation shall be forwarded to MPD Human Resources.

• Investigation: A structured process of gathering, examining, and evaluating facts and evidence to determine what occurred, assess compliance with laws and policies, and support appropriate actions or decisions.